Keeping a watchful eye on the wildlife that visits your garden will help species survive.

Conservation staff at Bracknell Forest Council want residents to keep a log of insects and birds they see.

A leaflet has been produced to help wildlife watchers get started with tips of how to recognise four species that are important in the area – the bullfinch, swift, great crested newt and stag beetle – as well as logging sightings of other creatures.

It also gives advice on how to turn your garden into a wildlife haven.

Marlies Boydell, biodiversity officer at the council, said: “Residents’ gardens have the potential to greatly benefit the wildlife in their area by providing food and shelter.

“Did you know if all the gardens in the UK were wildlife-friendly they would amount to an area more than double that of all the nation’s nature reserves put together?”

Councillor Iain McCracken, executive member for culture, corporate services and public protection, said: “Gardens are a haven for wildlife and it’s important to know exactly what insects, birds and other creatures are living in our residents’ gardens so we can plot future conservation work.

“If you do see something whether it’s a butterfly, bat, toad or something else, we’d like to hear from you so we can protect and enhance the borough’s wildlife in years to come.”